Small Arms Preview

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The XBLA hit makes the smart move to mobile.

By Levi Buchanan

Just as more mobile games should make the jump from the handset to services like Xbox Live Arcade and Wii Ware, the road definitely deserves to be two-way. Small Arms is one of the first games to migrate to mobile. It's a side-scrolling action game the fuses the pacing of Smash Bros. with the hardware of Ratchet & Clank. A group of fuzzy combatants, enhanced with cybernetic parts, take to a multi-tiered arena and blast the hell out of each other with big guns. The first animal to fall three times loses.

There are six animal soldiers in Small Arms. Only two are available from the beginning: Hector El Pollo and Marky Kat. By playing through the game's Mission mode, you unlock new fighters, such as Fox Claw, Tyrone, and Mr. Truffles. These cutie-poo fighters pack serious firepower, such as flamethrowers.

Small Arms Mobile mirrors the mechanics of the console edition. You can jump and double-jump around the tall arenas, taking refuge on high ledges or inside pipes. Seek out additional ammo and food to stay in the game. The game employs a degree of auto-targeting that helps the transition between the Xbox 360 controller and the decidedly less game-friendly directional pad on your handset. Since the pacing is pretty fast, you'll definitely need the assist.

The game includes additional modes, such as Local Battle and Multiplayer. Multiplayer is not an online deathmatch per se, but you do actually compete. On your handset, you must plow through as many AI-controlled animals as possible. The more you cut down, the more your opponent must deal with. Local Battle pits you against as many animal brawlers as you desire -- it's a good way to practice your skills.

The early build of Small Arms Mobile shows significant promise. I monkeyed with the XBLA game a bit and this seems to have captured the essence. The game also contains its own achievements, adding just one more link to the 360 scene. Look for more details on Small Arms Mobile in the coming months leading to the fall release.